DASSEL, MN  Proud parents Jerry and Nancy Bonnifield of Dassel had no idea the first baby born in the new year came with so much attention, nor did they think their son, A.J., would receive such a distinction.

Nancy’s original due date was Jan. 4. The couple actually went to the hospital a week early, Dec. 29, with a plan to induce labor. Deciding that wasn’t the best option, the couple decided to wait until Nancy went into labor in her own time.

At that time, giving birth to the new year’s baby had been the furthest thing from their minds, Nancy said.